[2 Corinthians] Growing Influence Through Challenge
Sunday Worship Service: May 3, 2026
Overflowing Grace: Growing Influence Through Challenge
Rev. Jason Noh
I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— 2 I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
7 Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ's, so also are we. 8 For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.
Opening: Each person carries an unseen influence given to them.
Challenges that do not break me down make me stronger.
“For they say, ‘His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.’” (v.10)
“I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ – I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away! I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh.” (v.1-2)
We gain influence as we receive spiritual power.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” (v.4)
Position vs. Spiritual Authority
“Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we.” (v.7)
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (v.5)
“When your obedience is complete” (v.6a)
“There are only three kinds of people-those who are immovable, those who are movable, and those who move them.” (Li Hung Chang)
In every circumstance, those who build others up gain influence.
“For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.” (v.8)
“Those who lift others up are the ones who change the world.” (An Old Saying)
Closing: Our way of life is influence.
